“Laureate, the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for discovering the ubiquitin system: the cellular protein-regulation mechanism that forms a fundamental basis for modern targeted drug development.”

Aaron Ciechanover was born in Haifa, Israel in 1947.  He is currently a Distinguished Research Professor in the Faculty of medicine at the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology in Haifa, Israel.  He received his M.Sc. (1971) and M.D. (1973) from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem.  He then completed his national service (1973-1976) as military physician, and continued his studies to obtain a doctorate in biological sciences in the Faculty of Medicine in the Technion (D.Sc.; 1982).  

There, as a graduate student with Dr. Avram Hershko and in collaboration with Dr. Irwin A. Rose from the Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia, USA, they discovered that covalent attachment of ubiquitin to a target protein signals it for degradation.  They deciphered the mechanism of conjugation, described the general proteolytic functions of the system, and proposed a model according to which this modification serves as a recognition signal for a specific downstream protease.  

As a post- doctoral fellow with Dr. Harvey Lodish at the M.I.T., he continued his studies on the ubiquitin system and made additional important discoveries.  Along the years it has become clear that ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis plays major roles in numerous cellular processes, and aberrations in the system underlie the pathogenetic mechanisms of many diseases, among them certain malignancies and neurodegenerative disorders.  Consequently, the system has become an important platform for drug development.  

Among the numerous prizes Ciechanover received are the 2000 Albert Lasker Award, the 2002 EMET Prize, the 2003 Israel Prize, and the 2004 Nobel Prize (Chemistry; shared with Drs. Hershko and Rose).

Among many academies, Ciechanover is member of the Israeli National Academy of Sciences and Humanities, The European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO), the American Academy of Arts and Sciences (Foreign Fellow), the American Philosophical Society, the National Academies of Sciences (NAS) and Medicine (NAM) of the USA (Foreign Associate), the Pontifical Academy of Sciences at the Vatican, the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS; Foreign Member), the Russian Academy of Sciences (Foreign Member), and the German Academy of Sciences (Leopoldina).

Dr.Mingkwan has served as Director of the Government Pharmaceutical Organization since 2023 to the present.
Previously, she held the position of Director of the Institute of Dermatology (2013–2023); Head of the Occupational Medicine Division at Phanangklao Hospital (2003–2013); internal medicine physician at Phanangklao Hospital and worked with the Health Care Reform Project Office (1994–2002); and physician and Director of Sikao Hospital, Trang Province (1991–1994).

Dr.Mingkwan has also undertaken study visits and received certificates from several institutions abroad, such as
•  Health care in Developing countries, Boston University, USA
•  Health Insurance and Public Health Policy, University of North Carolina, USA
•  Occupational and Environmental Radiation protection: Principles and Practices of Radiation Safety, Harvard School of Public Health, Harvard University, USA
•  Occupational Health for Asian countries, KOSHA & KOICA, Republic of Korea
•  Authentic Leadership Program, University of North Carolina, USA
•  Doing Business in Europe, University of St.Gallen, Switzerland
•  Natural Resource Management and the Environment Workshop, Institute of International Education, Denver, Colorado, USA
•  Non Profit Organization Management, Duke University, USA
•  Basic Hands-On CAMEO Training, Harvard School of Public Health, Harvard University, USA
•  Oxford Advanced Management and Leadership Program, Said Business School, University of Oxford., UK

Dr.Mingkwan has conducted and published numerous research works in the fields of medicine and public health service system reform. Her notable works include, for example:
•  Mirattanaphrai, S., Suphannaphong, M., & Sriratanaban, J. (2024, December). Adverse events occurred within 30 minutes following COVID-19 vaccination at Bang Sue Central Vaccination Center, Bangkok, Thailand, July to December 2021. Outbreak, Surveillance,  Investigation & Response Journal, 17(4). 
•  Sooksamran, A., Pichai, P., Suphannaphong, M., & Singthong, S. (2023, February). Previous  therapy and the recurrence rate of basal cell carcinoma after Mohs surgery: A meta-analysis. Archives of  Dermatological Research.

Dr. Sherine Abbas Helmy has 45 years of professional experience in the pharmaceutical industry. Throughout the years, he was appointed as Chairman of Pharco Corporation, board member of Batterjee Pharmaceuticals, KSA; Pharco Impex, Romania; consultant of SEEG Pharm,Switzerland; and Presidio Pharmaceuticals, USA, CEO of Wealth & Resource Mining S.A.E, Board Member of BioGeneric Pharma S.A.E (BCP).

Dr.Sherine was graduated in 1981 with a Bachelor of Science degree from the Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University. He then obtained an MBA from the Arab Academy for Science and Technology (AAST) and the Central Michigan University in 1999. In 2012, he received his Doctorate of Business Administration degree from AAST, which was an additional step towards excelling in the business world. He also attended Changing the Game: Negotiation & Competitive Decision-Making in November 2021 from Harvard Business School -Boston, USA.

Dr.Sherine Helmy is considered one of the important Businessmen contributing in the activities and organizations that are affecting the development of the education, pharmaceutical industry as well as the economic growth of Egypt. 

He is a Board Member of several organizations as, Alexandria University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Azhar University, Scientific Research Committee of Alexandria University, the City Advisory Council Zewail City of Science and Technology, Drug Research Council (Academy of Scientific Research and Technology). 

He is also a Founding Member of Mediterranean University in Alexandria. He is a member of the board of trustees of the Egyptian Japanese University for Science & Technology (EJUST) and, Faculty of Pharmacy, Azhar University, and Port Said University. He is a Member of the Strategic Advisory Board (SAB) of the American University in Cairo School of Business, and member of the Board of Inter Disciplinary studies at the Universities Supreme Council and member of the Board of Trustees of Alamein International University.

Dr.Helmy started the Pharmaceutical Chemical Industry in Egypt and developed the new drug for Virus C at a cost of 0.1% of the international price with a cure rate of 98%.

Kara Hanson is Professor of Health System Economics in the Faculty of Public Health and Policy at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.  She obtained her degrees from McGill University (Canada), the University of Cambridge (UK) and Harvard University (USA).  She has spent the last 30 years researching the economics of health systems in low- and middle-income countries.  

Her major contributions are in the areas of health financing and the private health sector.  She chaired the recent Lancet Global Health Commission on Financing Primary Health Care, and has authored key publications on how strategic purchasing can help to improve health system performance.  

Her work on the private sector has contributed to our understanding of the opportunities and limitations of using the private sector to extend access to critical public health interventions and, more recently, to the challenges of regulating healthcare markets.  She frequently advises national governments and international organisations on health system and financing issues.  She is a Visiting Fellow at the Blavatnik School of Government at Oxford University, Director of the NIHR Global Health Research Programme and President of the International Health Economics Association. 

Professor Emeritus Dr. Prasit Watanapa is a distinguished figure who has played a significant role in Thailand’s public health and medical fields.

He completed his education at leading institutions both in Thailand and abroad:
•  Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) and Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) from the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University
•  Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) from the University of London, United Kingdom
•  Board certification and Fellowships in Surgery from the Medical Council of Thailand, the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (F.R.C.S.Ed), and the American College of Surgeons (F.A.C.S.)

He has extensive and diverse professional experience, particularly at the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University:
•  Dean, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University (2015–2022)
•  President of the Medical Council of Thailand (2017–2019)
•  Vice President for Human Resources and Quality Development, Mahidol University (2007–2011)
•  Director, Chulabhorn Hospital (since 2023)

At present, Prof. Emeritus Dr. Prasit holds several important positions, including Chairperson of the Healthcare Accreditation Institute, Advisor to the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, First Vice President of the Medical Council of Thailand, and President of the University Council of Naresuan University.

Stije is a physician in internal medicine and infectious diseases, and a clinical researcher with a focus on emerging infections and pandemic preparedness. He leads antiviral clinical research at MORU, coordinating adaptive platform trials and developing methods to study pathogens that typically only allow research during active outbreaks. His work places particular emphasis on drug repurposing. 

Dr. Ponthip Wirachwong is a highly respected pharmaceutical executive with extensive experience in biopharmaceutical research, vaccine development, and public health advancement. She currently serves as Deputy Managing Director at the Government Pharmaceutical Organization (GPO), where she has played a key role in strengthening Thailand’s capabilities in vaccine innovation and biopharmaceutical manufacturing. With a PhD in Pharmacology from the University of Nottingham, she has dedicated her career to driving scientific excellence and enhancing national health security. 

Dr. Wirachwong has successfully led several nationally significant vaccine initiatives, including the development of live attenuated influenza vaccines and the HXP-GPOVac COVID-19 recombinant vaccine. She also represented Thailand in the WHO Global Action Plan for Influenza Vaccines (GAP), fostering international collaboration to improve global pandemic preparedness. Her research has been published in reputable international journals, reflecting her strong scientific foundation and commitment to evidence-based development.

Key Leadership Highlights
•  Led the development of Thailand’s first recombinant NDV-based COVID-19 vaccine (HXP-GPOVac), strengthening national biopharmaceutical innovation and pandemic preparedness capacity.
•  Represented Thailand in the WHO Global Action Plan for Influenza Vaccines (GAP), advancing international collaboration to promote global vaccine security and technology accessibility.
•  Successfully directed multiple national vaccine development programs, including live attenuated and inactivated influenza vaccines recognized with prestigious national innovation awards.
•  Proven leadership in driving end-to-end biopharmaceutical development—from R&D and manufacturing process design to clinical evaluation and regulatory alignment—enhancing Thailand’s self-reliance and health security.

Dr.Rachaneekorn Jevprasesphant is a distinguished executive and pharmaceutical scientist currently holding the position of Assistant Managing Director at the Government Pharmaceutical Organization (GPO), Thailand. With an extensive career spanning over two decades at the GPO, her leadership focuses on integrating scientific innovation with strategic organizational management to enhance public health infrastructure. Her professional trajectory within the GPO has encompassed pivotal roles, including Research Pharmacist, Project Manager, and Deputy Director of the R&D Institute, establishing a robust foundation in innovation strategy and operational excellence.

Prior to her current role, Dr.Jevprasesphant served as the Director of Logistics and Supply Chain Management, where she spearheaded critical digital transformation and process improvement initiatives. Notably, she led the establishment of the GPO's Distribution Center, leveraging digital technologies to create an efficient, modern inventory management system. This transformation was crucial not only for guaranteeing the continuous and comprehensive distribution of essential medicines but also for optimizing workflows and achieving significant cost management efficiencies across the supply chain. Her projects were instrumental in optimizing pharmaceutical distribution, significantly improving the agility, flexibility, and resilience of the supply chain in response to evolving healthcare demands and complex national requirements.

Dr.Jevprasesphant’s research specialization is centered on Pharmaceutical Research and Development (R&D), with a distinct focus on advanced drug delivery systems, novel dosage forms, and new drug combinations, particularly within therapeutic areas such as antiretrovirals and hepatitis treatments. She possesses profound expertise in managing complex, cross-functional research projects through collaborative partnerships with both domestic and international institutions, ensuring a seamless transition of developments from the research bench to scalable production. 

Dr.Jevprasesphant’s academic background provides a unique nexus between scientific rigor and business acumen. She earned a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences from the University of Manchester, UK, where her pioneering research on oral drug delivery systems was recognized with the prestigious Eurand Award. Furthermore, she holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Bachelor of Pharmacy with First Class Honours from Chulalongkorn University, Thailand. Her comprehensive educational foundation uniquely positions her to address the intersection of scientific innovation, business strategy, and public healthcare impact.

A dedicated pharmaceutical researcher with strong expertise in research and development of medicinal products, plant-based products, and biological products. Experienced in formulation design, analytical method development and validation, preclinical and clinical study coordination, regulatory documentation for FDA product registration. Skilled in integrating multidisciplinary aspect of pharmaceutical development to create safe, effective, and innovative healthcare products. Passionate about advancing drug discovery and improving therapeutic outcomes through scientific innovation and collaboration.

His professional experience encompasses the development of domestically produced vaccines in alignment with Thailand’s national policy on vaccine self-reliance. He also holds a patent for the production process of the attenuated Japanese Encephalitis (JE) vaccine utilizing cell culture technology (#22235-August 15th 2023).

During the COVID-19 pandemic, he was a key member of GPO’s vaccine development team, contributing to the creation of a COVID-19 vaccine based on a recombinant Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV) platform. He is also the author of “Vaccine War,” a book that provides a critical account of the global challenges and socio-scientific impacts arising from COVID-19 vaccine development.

In addition, he served as the project manager developing a nasal spray formulation containing monoclonal antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, which achieved nationwide distribution exceeding 500,000 units during the pandemic.

His current research focuses on the development of personalized therapeutic cancer vaccines using a polypeptide-based platform. This research is currently in the human clinical investigation phase and is being conducted in collaboration with academic partners from leading medical schools and hospitals in Thailand, as well as a U.S.-based biotechnology company specializing in cancer genomic data integration.

Dr. Suvit Maesincee is a prominent academic and politician who has held key government positions and played a significant role in driving national economic and innovation policies, notably the concepts of "Thailand 4.0" and the BCG Economy (Bio-Circular-Green Economy).

Education Background
•  Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Marketing Management from the Kellogg Graduate School of Management, Northwestern University, USA.
•  Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Marketing from the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA).
•  Bachelor's Degree in Pharmacy from the Faculty of Pharmacy, Mahidol University.

Notable Career and Political History
•  Academic Work: He previously served as a professor and executive at the Sasin Graduate Institute of Business Administration of Chulalongkorn University.
•  Government/Political Roles:
       -  Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI)
       -  Minister of Science and Technology
       -  Minister Attached to the Prime Minister's Office
       -  Deputy Minister of Commerce

After leaving political office, Dr. Suvit continues to hold roles in the private sector and independent organizations:
•  Chairman (Independent Director) of Thai Vegetable Oil Public Company Limited (TVO).
•  Chairman of the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT).
•  Expert Committee Member on the National Health System Development Committee.

Dr.Wanxing Cui, MD, PhD, CABP(H) an AABB assessor, an inspector of CAP and FACT, the Director of the Cell Therapy Manufacturing Facility at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington DC, USA.

Wanxing Cui, MD, PhD, CABP(H) is Director of the Cell Therapy Manufacturing Facility at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington DC, USA. His work focuses on quality management systems, cGMP/cGTP compliance, and inspection readiness across clinical and manufacturing operations.

He serves as an assessor for the Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies (AABB), an inspector for the College of American Pathologists (CAP), and an inspector for the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT).

Dr.Cui’s experience includes designing multi-accreditation quality systems; implementing risk-based approaches to data integrity, process validation, and supplier oversight; and supporting technology transfer and workforce training. He collaborates with professional societies and partner organizations to align practical, auditable controls in hospital and industry settings, and uses digital and AI-enabled documentation tools, where appropriate, to support regulatory defensibility and operational efficiency.

Dr.Cui is the author of more than 70 peer-reviewed publications and a named inventor on multiple biotechnology patents. He has served on the AABB Cellular Therapies Section Coordinating Committee; the ISCT iPSC Joint Committee; the ISCT Laboratory Practices Committee (LPC); the International Pancreas and Islet Transplant Association (IPITA) Advocacy Committee; and as co-chair of the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) Cell Therapy Lab Alliance. He also mentors early-career professionals throughISCT’s Professional Education Program and AABB’s Early-Stage Professionals program.

Remarks:
AABB = Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies (AABB), is an international, not-for-profit organization representing individuals and institutions involved in the field of transfusion medicine and biotherapies.

ISCT = the International Society for Cell & Gene Therapy (ISCT) is a global society of clinicians, regulators, researchers, technologists, and industry partners with a shared vision to translate cell and gene therapy into safe and effective therapies to improve patients' lives worldwide.

CAP = The College of American Pathologists (CAP) is a member-based physician organization founded in 1946, comprising approximately 18,000 board-certified pathologists. The CAP is a leading organization of pathologists which helps promote and support excellence in pathology and autopsy practices worldwide as the Laboratory Accreditation Body.

FACT = The Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT) is a non-profit corporation co-founded by the International Society for Cell and Gene Therapy (ISCT) and the American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (ASTCT) for the purposes of voluntary inspection and accreditation in the field of cellular therapy. FACT establishes standards for high quality medical and laboratory practice in cellular therapies.

Dr. Jun Li is a biotech innovator specializing in viral and immune cell engineering. He leads the development of breakthrough CGT platforms including the NDV oncolytic virus and allogeneic CAR-T technology. 

With a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of Utah and prior roles at Novartis and WuXi AppTec, Dr. Li has authored over 40 publications and holds more than 40 patents. As an international leader in innovation and collaboration, he strives to make transformative cell and gene therapies accessible and affordable worldwide.

Dr. Pimpalas Leekitcharoenphon, also known as “P’Shinny,” is a Thai scientist with expertise in bioinformatics who has achieved notable success internationally. After completing her education in Thailand, she pursued her doctoral studies at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) in Denmark.

Dr. Pimpalas is well known as a researcher and lecturer working in Denmark:
•  Current position: Senior Researcher, Research Group of Genomic Epidemiology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark (DTU)
•  Research focus: Specializes in the use of genetic data to study the epidemiology of pathogens, particularly issues related to antimicrobial resistance (AMR)
•  Awards: Recipient of Denmark’s Elite Researcher Award (Outstanding PhD Student Award) in 2013, which is granted to young researchers with outstanding achievements.

In addition to her research work, Dr. Pimpalas is also well known in Thai society as a guest speaker on various programs and podcasts, where she shares her experiences as a Thai scientist working abroad and inspires the younger generation.

Ms. Kittiporn Thaneset
Assistant Head of the Pharmaceutical Department and Head of Inpatient Pharmacy Services and Pharmaceutical Care,  Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital, Thailand

Work Experience
•  Head of Outpatient Pharmaceutical Care Unit (2001–2004)
•  Head of Drug Information Center (2005–2011)
•  Head of Inpatient Pharmacy Services and Pharmaceutical Care (2012–present)
•  Assistant Secretary to various committees at Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital, such as:
       -  Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee (PTC)
       -  Subcommittee on Drug Utilization Evaluation
       -  Medication Safety Subcommittee
       -  Risk Management Committee
       -  Subcommittee on Drug Expenditure Control
       -  Subcommittee on Rational Drug Use Promotion
       -  And other related committees
•  Working group member for provincial standards development on medication safety and pharmacy service systems
•  Guest speaker for the Nonthaburi Provincial Office, Ministry of Public Health, in a workshop on pharmaceutical system development (Topic: Development of Medication Dispensing Systems Using Innovations and Advanced Technology), 21 July 2023
•  Guest speaker and host for study visits on medication-dispensing robotic innovations for various hospitals and organizations nationwide (general hospitals, regional hospitals, Thai Red Cross Society, medical schools, Department of Medical Services, and Ministry of Public Health), with more than 15 institutions participating

Academic and Research Experience
•  Presented research titled “A Study of Working Efficiency of the Automatic Tablet Packaging Machine and the Automatic Tablet Inspection Machine in the Inpatient Pharmacy Unit, Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital” on 22 February 2023
•  Presented research titled “A Study of Efficiency Before and After Improvement of the Automatic Tablet Inspection Machine in the Inpatient Pharmacy Unit, Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital” at the Hospital Pharmacy Association of Thailand Annual Meeting, 22–24 May 2023
•  Presented research titled “The Study of Medication Dispensing Errors After Use of Semi-Automatic Electronic Pill Cabinets in Inpatient Departments, Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital” at the HA National Forum, 12–15 March 2024
•  Presented research titled “Result of Using Semi-Automatic Emergency Distribution Cabinets in the Inpatient Ward, 60th Anniversary Internal Medicine Building, Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital” as an oral presentation at:
       -  Hospital Pharmacy Association of Thailand Annual Meeting, 15–17 May 2024
       -  Annual Conference on Consumer Protection and Medication Safety Systems, 28 June 2024